Leesburg Hopes Main Street Program Will Help Rejuvenate City's Downtown

November 14, 1993|By Robin Pollack Sentinel Correspondent

LEESBURG — A thriving and attractive downtown is an asset to any city, and Leesburg leaders hope to improve their downtown with the aid of a state revitalization program.

City officials, merchants, Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce representatives, civic leaders and downtown property owners agreed this week to apply for the Florida Main Street program for help in improving and managing downtown Leesburg.

Main Street cities hire a full-time manager, form an advisory board and develop a program to try to revitalize a city's commercial core. The state Division of Historical Resources offers manager training, consultant team visits and other technical assistance.

''The Florida Main Street program is probably the best thing in existence for what we are trying to do: revitalize downtown Leesburg,'' said Chet Blackmon, president of the Downtown Business Association and owner of Jewelry Works on Magnolia Street.

Such improvements could help entice new businesses and residents to Lake's largest city, Blackmon said.

''A downtown's appearance tells you the attitude of a community and how much care is put into it,'' Blackmon said.

Added chamber representative Joan Puterbaugh: ''We want visitors to come in and look at a quaint downtown, and like it so much that they spread the word and keep coming back.''

The support of the entire community - including merchants, downtown property owners and civic leaders - is essential for the program to succeed, said Assistant City Manager Dick Williams. ''Otherwise, it's just another city program.''

The Florida Main Street program, started in 1985 and based on a similar national project, concentrates on cities with 5,000 to 50,000 residents. There are 32 Florida Main Street cities, including Eustis in Lake County. Eustis won the designation this year.

Nearly 1,000 cities in about 40 states have the program. Florida designates three cities each year from among statewide applicants.

The program requires a three- to five-year commitment, as well as start-up costs of $50,000 to $60,000, including a $10,000 state grant the first year. The cost includes the salary for a coordinator to manage and market the program. Blackmon said he expects donations will help pay for the program.

An example of what the program can do to improve downtown areas is evident in DeLand in neighboring Volusia County. DeLand was designated in 1985 as a Florida Main Street city.

Old storefronts, banks and retail businesses there have been refurbished or restored. Attractive awnings hang from businesses along the downtown boulevard, and arcades and brick walkways enhance downtown streets.